Lost in the City

Lost in the City: A Summer Parisian Day Trip
for Food, Cocktails, and Inspiration

Paris, a city known for its timeless elegance, vibrant culture, and culinary prowess, always feels like it’s beckoning you to explore deeper. For those seeking a more authentic experience, sometimes the best adventures come from wandering the hidden corners, discovering charming cafés, and stumbling upon little gems that speak to the heart. This one-day journey through Paris’ 18th and 6th arrondissements was a day short on time, but high in the pleasure of curiosity, and inspiration—perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of Parisian creativity and magic back home.

Morning in Montmartre: Old Paris Charm and Hidden Gems

Café des 2 Moulins – A Sip of Parisian Cinema - 15 Rue Lepic, 75018
There’s no better place to begin a Parisian adventure than Café des 2 Moulins, the beloved haunt featured in the film Amélie. Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, this café offers more than just coffee—it offers a slice of Parisian history. With its retro décor, red awnings and bustling atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to stop mid-morning nod to cinema history with a café crème as the customers chatter away.

Le Mur des Je t’aime – Love in Every Language - Square Jehan Rictus, Place des Abbesses, 75018
From the café, take a short walk to ‘Le Mur des Je t’aime’ in Square Jehan Rictus. This vibrant wall, adorned with the phrase “I love you” in over 300 languages, offers a glimpse into the spirit of Parisian romance. Standing before it, you can't help but feel inspired by its universal message of love.  Celebrating simple emotions translates beautifully into upcoming dishes—a comforting, soul-warming dish that embraces familiar flavours yet surprises with subtle, unexpected twists. Stop by the nearby Pierre Hermé to buy a box of exquisite Macaron to share in the love at 185 Rue de Vaugirard or check a nearby boutique for a box of macarons to go.

Stepping up the Colourful Views - Rue du Chevalier de la Barre
Montmartre’s streets, with their winding cobblestones and quaint cafés, are a world unto themselves. A wander here feels like stepping into another time—one that’s been preserved amidst the bustle of the city. As you make your way up towards the Sacré-Cœur, the climb is rewarded with sweeping views of Paris below. The iconic rainbow-colored steps leading to the basilica evoke a whimsical, almost ‘Disneyesque’ quality. The playful hues of the rainbow steps spark the idea for a dish or cocktail menu that plays with bright, fresh ingredients, perhaps a vibrant beetroot tartare or a zesty citrus cocktail. Take a while to wander in these streets.

Midday at The Recyclerie: Farm-to-Table Innovation - 83 Boulevard Ornano, 75018
Near Jardins du Ruisseau Station

Playful Sustainability
As the morning progresses, it’s time for a change of pace, and lunch at The Recyclerie—a delightful repurposed train station near Jardins du Ruisseau—fits the bill perfectly. This café, rooted in sustainability, serves farm-to-table dishes in a rustic yet modern setting. With its wooden tables and a menu focused on seasonal produce, it brings a refreshing and relaxed energy to the culinary scene. It’s the kind of place that inspires future projects, where dishes shift with the seasons. Think healthy, comforting light meals that celebrate seasonal produce. For us French rusticity meets modern sustainability, its unglosssy and all the better for it. 

French Class: Early Evening in the 6th Arrondissement

A New Vibe in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
As the afternoon fades, the energy of the city shifts as we cross over into the 6th arrondissement, which exudes a different Parisian charm. Known for its literary past—from the philosophers of the Left Bank to the artists who frequented cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore—the area is alive with the buzz of history. Place Saint-Michel is the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city, with its majestic fountain and surrounding cafés. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike sit back, sip their coffee, and watch the world go by. 

The 6th has long been home to intellectuals and artists—the likes of Hemingway, Sartre, and Picasso have all walked these streets, and the area continues to exude an artistic energy today. You can feel the weight of history here, but it doesn’t feel like a museum. The cafés, boutiques, and lively squares bring the past into the present.

Place Saint-Michel
After lunch, take the metro to the 6th arrondissement. Begin your exploration at Place Saint-Michel, a lively square known for its fountain and proximity to the Seine. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant Parisian atmosphere.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Stroll through this historic neighbourhood, once the intellectual hub of post-war Paris. Cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore were frequented by existentialists Sartre and de Beauvoir. The area is also home to the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the city's oldest church, dating back to the 6th century. 

Cocktails on the Cobbles  - Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006
No visit to Paris is complete without experiencing its iconic cocktail culture. At Pub Saint-Germain, the drinks menu offers a refined yet approachable selection of cocktails. The space, with its cosy corners and intimate vibe, is perfect for a late afternoon drink sitting on the tables outside and looking into the bustling street. 

Dining across the divide 
As evening approaches, the final stop in Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, a quaint and quiet courtyard tucked away in the heart of the 6th. This cobbled space, lined with rustic bistros, offers a peaceful respite from the lively streets of Paris. Here, you’ll find small plates, from crispy croque-monsieurs to rich pâtés, all served with a side of Parisian charm, take your pick, we chose Des Pres as we had some classics to enjoy with kids in tow!

‘A ‘muse’- bouche’
A day in Paris, especially in neighbourhoods as rich with history and charm as the 18th and 6th arrondissements, brings a wealth of inspiration to bring home. From the charming cafés of Montmartre to the intimate corners of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The food and drink offerings here are not just about taste—they are about evoking a feeling, a moment, and a story.

For The Lost Kitchen, this Parisian adventure is about more than just food—it’s about creating experiences. A space that invites guests to step away from the hustle of their own lives, if only for a few hours, and experience something unique. Whether it’s through the cosy atmosphere, the welcoming service, or dishes that bring a fresh twist to familiar flavours, Paris’s charm is a lesson in how to blend the old and new in every element of a dining experience.

And just like that, a day lost in Paris becomes a journey home, with new flavours, stories, and inspiration to shape future menus—ones that might just transport guests to their own little slice of Paris from a little plate.